05-12-2003 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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History: In 1972, variances for lot area and lot width (zoning file #S-57) were approved to permit construction of a new home on the property. Lots 5 and 6 were combined, creating a lot area of 28,000 s.f. and lot width of 65’ at the street and 160 ’ at the lake. The variances were granted because the combined lot was equal in size to most lots in the area. Hardship: . , The applicants have included their statement of hardship in Exhibit B. The applicants should also be asked for their testimony regarding this issue. Issues for Consideration: 1. The proposed structure meets the minimum setback requirements, height, structural coverage and average lakeshore setback; 2. The hardcover in the 0-75 ’ setback zone will be reduced from what exists, maintaining a portion of the stairs to access the lake and retaining walls; 3. Replacement of the retaining walls and stairs is not proposed in the 0-75 ’ setback zone at this time and would require a new application in the future; 4. The proposed home is located outside of the bluff impact zone and meets the required setback from the top of the bluff whereas the existing house does not; 5. Removal of the existing house will require grading and filling within 75 ’ of the OHWL and within the bluff impact zone; 6. Although there are two doors shown on the lakeside of the walk out level of the proposed home and an optional below-grade garage, there will be no hardcover landings outside the doors nor driveway extension serving the garage; 7. The hardcover in the 75 ’-250 ’ setback zone is proposed to exceed the maximum permitted; 8. It is the applicants’ responsibility to contact LMCD regarding dock placement on Lake Minnetonka; 9. Other issues raised by the Planning Commission. Staff Recommendations: Staff can support the variances for lot area, hardcover in the 0-75 ’ setback zone, grading within 75 ’ of the OHWL, and filling in a bluff impact zone. However, staff can not support the variance for hardcover exceeding 25% in the 75 ’ to 250 ’ setback zone. It is the City ’s policy that all new construction meet the hardcover requirements when possible. Given the size of the property, it is possible to meet the hardcover requirements and still build a new home. It has been suggested by the applicants that the fan-shape of the property is a hardship since more than half of the property is located within 75 ’ of the OHWL as a result of the shape. However, even though the lot is oddly shaped, there is still a significant amount of buildable area outside of the 75 ’ setback from the OHWL. #03-2886 Dr. Dennis and Diane Killian 4/23/2003 Pages of? 4